Common Signs of Engine Trouble

When it comes to engine trouble, time is of the essence. It is critical that you act fast to prevent the damage from getting worse, which results in a need for more extensive and expensive auto repairs. There are numerous ways to tell if your car's engine is suffering from some sort of problem, so alway be on the lookout for the following signs. If you notice any of them be sure to visit a qualified auto shop for expert engine diagnostics and repairs as soon as possible.

Oil Leak

If you spot oil leaking from your car you'll want to have it checked out as soon as possible. Oil is essentially the blood of the engine and a leak means that the engine is losing oil, which can cause damaging friction between the engine's moving parts.

Knocking Noises

Strange noises always need to be checked out by a trained technician. A knocking noise that is coming from under the vehicle's hood can often be attributed to worn engine bearings. These bearings support the motion of the moving engine parts and if they fail completely it could result in a need for an engine rebuild or replacement.

Decreased Performance

A change in the way your car performs is a common sign of trouble under the hood. Common symptoms of decreased performance include a drop in fuel economy, a rough idle or issues accelerating. There are multiple causes of performance problems, and many of them are quite small. To ensure that itsy bitsy issue doesn't grow worse, contact your auto shop for proper diagnostics and repairs.

Colorful Exhaust Smoke

Any changes in your vehicle's emissions can indicate trouble under the hood. Based on the color of the smoke a technician can often diagnose the trouble. For example, blue smoke means that oil is burning, while thick white smoke may idicate that there is coolant leaking into the combustion chamber.

Check Engine Light

One of the more obvious symptoms of engine trouble is if the check engine light comes on. Most check engine light problems begin as small issues, such as a bad sensor, but if they are not corrected, the problem can cause much bigger trouble, such as a failed catalytic converter.

If you suspect engine issues, don't put off having diagnostics completed by a professional technician. For expert engine repair in Saratoga Springs visit the team at Car Doctors. Our ASE certified auto repair technicians will have you back on the road in no time. Give us a call at (801) 701-3518 to request more information or to schedule professional auto repair in Saratoga Springs today.